Private leasing 'undercutting Tasmanian jobs'

TASMANIAN jobs and safety standards are being undercut by a boom in private leasing of housing to tourists, the hotel industry says.

US-based website Airbnb is advertising 533 Tasmanian properties to let, from as low as $50 a night.

But the Tasmanian Hospitality Association argues many are not regulated and are in direct competition to ``genuine'' accommodation businesses.

``Private owners who are letting properties outside of any proper licences, regulations or standards are ripping off Tasmania's accommodation industry, compromising tourism standards, and potentially placing the people who use their premises in danger,'' THA general manager Steve Old said.

``They have none of the safeguards that legitimate accommodation facilities must have as a proper regulated business, including fire systems and emergency procedures.''

Airbnb's website says the operation is ``a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world''.

`` ... Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 34,000 cities and 192 countries.

``And with world class customer service and a growing community of users, Airbnb is the easiest way for people to monetise their extra space and showcase it to an audience of millions.''